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By Hal C. Clarke
A series of disturbing incidents has unfolded across the United States as an “online trolls” group engaged in a reprehensible display of antisemitism by issuing fabricated bomb threats and swatting calls against more than 26 synagogues, drawing strong condemnation from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
The group’s actions spanned the course of four weekends and targeted synagogues as well as two ADL offices across a dozen states, according to the ADL. The organization is collaborating with law enforcement and community partners to thwart this ongoing disruption to Jewish prayer services and other potential targets, Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and national director of the ADL, stated in a press release on Sunday, NY Post pointed out.
Notably, the perpetrators appear to focus on synagogues that livestream their services. These individuals employ deeply antisemitic language during their calls, and their reach has expanded to encompass African American churches and even a news organization.
The ADL Center on Extremism is actively cooperating with law enforcement to identify those behind these alarming and potentially perilous actions. In a specific incident, a synagogue in Fremont, California, faced an evacuation due to a possible bomb threat. Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly to the threat at Beth Torah Jewish Temple, evacuating congregants and conducting a thorough search of the premises and surrounding area. However, no suspicious devices or individuals were discovered.
Fullerton synagogue also experienced a similar hoax, with a bomb threat received during Sabbath services. Approximately 30 individuals evacuated Temple Beth Tikvah as authorities meticulously combed the property. The threat, however, proved baseless.
Regrettably, these incidents resonate as a reality faced by many Jewish houses of worship, a sentiment expressed by Rabbi Mati Kirschenbaum, who stated to the NY Post, “Sadly, this is something that many temples, many Jewish houses of worship… have to live with.”
In a disheartening development, a synagogue on the Upper East Side became the target of antisemitic graffiti. An unidentified individual, estimated to be around 25 years old, defaced the message board outside the Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun Synagogue with hateful markings, an act that reinforces the deeply troubling nature of these recent incidents.
The ADL’s unequivocal statement denouncing these swatting calls and acts of hatred coincides with efforts to counter such actions and ensure the safety and sanctity of places of worship and communal spaces. As these investigations unfold, the broader implications of these actions underscore the need for vigilance against the corrosive influence of antisemitism.
In 2022, incidents of antisemitism continued to be a concerning issue worldwide. Numerous cases of hate speech, vandalism, and discrimination were reported, highlighting the persistent nature of this prejudice. From offensive graffiti and online harassment to physical attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions, antisemitism remained a distressing reality. Efforts by organizations, governments, and communities to combat and raise awareness about this form of hatred were ongoing, emphasizing the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and unity to counteract these troubling trends.
